From the artist:

I imagine Joseph scoffing at Mary’s explanation. “Trust me.” “How can I?” I hear a tense conversation filled with tears and devastation. I sense fear of societal judgement. What will people say?

Joseph is skeptical. He knows he cannot be the father of the baby. He decides to break his engagement with Mary.

He must feel so betrayed by her. So, how is it that he can believe the angel in the dream?

Suddenly, he welcomes the opportunity to parent Jesus anyway. He follows through on his commitment to Mary anyway. 

Trust in Mary, trust in God; Joseph could only have managed his role in this story with trust. His faith relies heavily on trust. Deep down, we know who we can trust. Subconsciously, we all know right from wrong. 

In this image, Joseph has just placed the wedding ring on Mary’s hand. They have just said their vows, committing their lives to each other. Here, Joseph seals his trust in Mary’s word, his trust in the word of God, with action. 

Whom do I need to let God lead me to trust? Where in my life is my justified skepticism keeping me from God’s call? How am I letting my concern for the opinions of society impede my willingness to act on God’s word?

—Hannah Garrity